living out of a 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser for 3 weeks | road trip from California to Canada

Summary

Weylie and her partner begin a three-week road trip from Los Angeles toward Canada in their 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser. Traveling more than 2,000 miles one way with their dogs, they camp along the route, enjoy coastal scenery, and share lessons from traveling in an older, slower vehicle.

• Pack for comfort and simplicity: They’ve learned that lighter, more minimal camping gear is best when packing up almost every day. They organize the Land Cruiser so the tent is easy to access and set up first at camp.
• Travel with dogs in mind: The dogs need time to explore new places, especially beaches. The couple also brings a vacuum because Ollie sheds heavily in the tent.
• Protect skin outdoors: Weylie takes sunscreen seriously and prefers products that feel comfortable under makeup and don’t clog pores. She features Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50, Glowscreen SPF 40, and Mineral Matte Sunscreen, describing them as sunscreen-and-primer options with different finishes.
• Take the scenic route when time allows: They recommend Highway 101 for its coastal views, small towns, beaches, and stopping points. It’s slower than I-5 but offers more opportunities for breaks and overnight stays.
• Drive conservatively in an older vehicle: They keep the Land Cruiser below about 65 mph to conserve fuel and avoid shaking at higher speeds, especially when carrying a heavy load.
• Plan flexibly: They use Google Maps to find campgrounds, viewpoints, and towns, then identify several lodging options. First-come, first-served campsites offer flexibility; when traffic delayed them, they booked a private campsite a few hours before arriving.
• Make long driving days manageable: Weylie’s partner plans stops to balance driving and breaks. They stretch, take the dogs to the beach, and explore along the route.
• Expect basic camping hygiene: When they’re too tired to pitch the tent, they sleep in the Land Cruiser. At one campground, a timed shower briefly shut off after about two minutes before turning back on.
• Enjoy the journey, not just the destination: A stop among the redwoods reminded them to slow down and appreciate nature. The Oregon coast was a particular favorite, with its forests, mountains, ocean views, and small towns.

Notable Locations, Products, and People

• Locations: Highway 101, Avenue of the Giants in Northern California, the Oregon coast, and a campground near the route
• Vehicle and gear: 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser, Dyson vacuum, and Jackery power station used for styling tools
• Products: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, Glowscreen, and Mineral Matte Sunscreen
• People and pets: Weylie, her partner (referred to as W), and their dogs Ollie and Navi